Wreck causes U.S. 90 delays

A UPS truck sits separated from its trailer Tuesday after being involved in a wreck on westbound U.S. 90 between Gibson and Gray.

Chris Heller/Staff

Published: Tuesday, April 9, 2013 at 1:23 p.m.

Last Modified: Wednesday, April 10, 2013 at 10:22 a.m.

Traffic was backed up in the westbound lanes of U.S. 90 just west of La. 311 Tuesday afternoon after a UPS truck hit a semi-truck while a repairman was working underneath it, police said.

The repairman, Augustine Ortiz, of Lafayette, was taken to the hospital for broken bones, State Police Trooper Evan Harrell said.

Derek Plaisance, of Raceland, was driving the UPS truck west when he drifted into the shoulder, Harrell said. Plaisance hit the semi-truck, which had broken down. Plaisance also hit Ortiz’s repair van.

Police got the call at 12:48 p.m., Harrell said. The semi-truck’s driver, Jose Vilche, of Houston, was also behind the wheel at the time of the crash. He was taken to TGMC with what police described as minor injuries.

Plaisance had minor injuries but decided not to go to the hospital, police said. He is charged with careless operation.

<p>Traffic was backed up in the westbound lanes of U.S. 90 just west of La. 311 Tuesday afternoon after a UPS truck hit a semi-truck while a repairman was working underneath it, police said.</p><p>The repairman, Augustine Ortiz, of Lafayette, was taken to the hospital for broken bones, State Police Trooper Evan Harrell said.</p><p>Derek Plaisance, of Raceland, was driving the UPS truck west when he drifted into the shoulder, Harrell said. Plaisance hit the semi-truck, which had broken down. Plaisance also hit Ortiz's repair van. </p><p>Police got the call at 12:48 p.m., Harrell said. The semi-truck's driver, Jose Vilche, of Houston, was also behind the wheel at the time of the crash. He was taken to TGMC with what police described as minor injuries. </p><p>Plaisance had minor injuries but decided not to go to the hospital, police said. He is charged with careless operation.</p>